Research Methods Seminar and Thesis

Subject MGMT90009 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points:
Level: Research Higher Degree
Dates & Locations: This is a time-based subject, taught on campus at Parkville.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular contact with the supervisor. 3-hour seminar per week for 24 semester weeks (full-year).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of Commerce in Management by Research (Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis).
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Prakash Singh

Contact

Graduate School of Business and Economics Student Centre
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Online Enquiries: http://www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au/future/unity_forms/contact.html
Web: www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject is composed of two parts: a short research thesis and a research workshop. The research thesis should be of 20 000 to 22 000 words in length, inclusive of footnotes, bibliography and appendices. The workshop will be a weekly seminar held throughout the year. The workshop is designed to facilitate the choice of a research topic and the undertaking of the research work. It will enable students to evaluate contemporary research issues in management and marketing. Students will also be provided with a program of study on research methods. Students are also encouraged to attend the Department's regular Seminar Series involving presentations by staff and visitors on various management-related topics.
Objectives: On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • Formulate a research question with testable hypotheses or research propositions;
  • Critically evaluate the literature on a particular topic;
  • Demonstrate sound analytical and written skills;
  • Design and conduct an independent research programme.
Assessment:
  • A thesis of 20 000 - 22 000 words duration is assessed by two external examiners and is awarded a mark out of 100
  • Submission of a research proposal and regular attendance at the research workshop is also required
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Synthesis and evaluation of management and marketing theories;
  • Problem solving;
  • Critical analysis of the literature relevant to a research topic;
  • Accessing various forms of data and research material, including written and electronic sources;
  • Collaborative learning and team work, which should be fostered by working with other research students in class as well as part of the postgraduate student body of the Department;
  • Oral and written communication.

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